Ultrasound imaging probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system

ABSTRACT

An ultrasound probe ( 14 ) for use in an ultrasound imaging system ( 10 ) is configured to generate both an ultrasound field-of-view volume ( 26 ) and an electromagnetic (EM) locator field volume ( 24 ). The ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound console ( 12 ), the ultrasound probe, and an interventional medical device ( 16 ). The ultrasound probe includes a probe housing, an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing and configured to generate the ultrasound field-of-view volume, and an EM locator field generator also mounted to the probe housing and configured to generate the EM locator field volume. The EM locator field volume thus advantageously moves in unison with the ultrasound field-of volume. An external EM locator field generator is not required. A tracking element ( 22 ) of the interventional medical device is configured to generate tip location data based on the EM locator field volume. The EM locator field generator may include a plurality of electromagnetic coils.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging probe, and, more particularly, to an ultrasound imaging probe having integrated electromagnetic tracking coils.

BACKGROUND ART

An electromagnetic location tracking system, such as the Aurora® Electromagnetic Tracking System available from Northern Digital Inc. (NDI) includes a stationary electromagnetic (EM) field generator that is used to track the location of a medical device having a tracking element, which has been inserted into a patient. The EM field generator generates a base electromagnetic field that radiates in a fixed orientation relative to the patient to facilitate electromagnetic spatial measurement.

In particular, the EM field generator is placed near an area of interest (e.g., leg, abdomen, etc.) of the patient, such that a region of interest lies within a detection volume of the generated EM field. Once placed, the EM field generator remains stationary relative to the region of interest, i.e., the patient. The EM locator field is used in determining the location within the patient of a tracked element of the medical device that is inserted into a vessel or cavity of the patient. For example, the medical device may be a catheter or a guide wire, which has an elongate body having a distal tip and a distal end portion, and having a tracking element, such as a magnetic sensor, mounted at the distal end portion. The magnetic sensor is used in generating tip location data based on the EM locator field as the medical device is moved within the patient.

One prior system, described in PCT/US2015/018068 which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, utilizes the electromagnetic tracking system in conjunction with both an interventional medical device and an ultrasound probe. In particular, the stationary electromagnetic field generator tracks the location of both the interventional medical device and an ultrasound probe using the EM locator field, and the system identifies and displays two-dimensional ultrasound image slices that include an image of the distal tip of the interventional medical device.

What is needed in the art is an ultrasound probe that integrates the electromagnetic tracking coils of the electromagnetic (EM) field generator with the ultrasound probe housing, such that the EM locator field moves in unison with the mobile ultrasound probe relative to the area of interest.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides an ultrasound probe that integrates the electromagnetic tracking coils of the electromagnetic (EM) field generator with the ultrasound probe housing, such that the EM locator field moves in unison with the mobile ultrasound probe relative to the area of interest.

The invention in one form is directed to an ultrasound probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe includes a probe housing. An ultrasound transducer array is mounted to the probe housing. The ultrasound transducer array is configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume. An electromagnetic locator field generator also is mounted to the probe housing. The electromagnetic locator field generator is configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume.

The invention in another form is directed to an ultrasound probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe includes a probe housing. An ultrasound transducer array is mounted to the probe housing. The ultrasound transducer array is configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume. A plurality of electromagnetic coils also is mounted to the probe housing. The plurality of electromagnetic coils is configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume wherein an entirety of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is located within the electromagnetic locator field volume.

The invention in another form is directed to an ultrasound imaging system that includes an ultrasound console having a graphical user interface. An interventional medical device is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound console. The interventional medical device has a tracking element. An ultrasound probe is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound console. The ultrasound probe includes a probe housing. An ultrasound transducer array is mounted to the probe housing. The ultrasound transducer array is configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume. An electromagnetic locator field generator includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils that are mounted to the probe housing. The plurality of electromagnetic coils is configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume for identifying a location of the tracking element of the interventional medical device within the electromagnetic locator field volume.

An advantage of the present invention is that the electromagnetic locator field volume moves in unison with the ultrasound field-of-view volume, such that correlation between the electromagnetic locator field volume and the ultrasound field-of-view volume is simplified.

Another advantage is that an external electromagnetic locator field generator separate from the ultrasound probe is not required, thus reducing equipment space in the procedure room by reducing the number of free-standing components and connections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of an ultrasound imaging system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a graphical depiction of an electromagnetic locator field volume associated with the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound imaging system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a graphical depiction of an ultrasound field-of-view volume associated with the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound imaging system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound imaging system of FIG. 1, in relation to the electromagnetic locator field volume generated by the electromagnetic coils of the ultrasound probe and the ultrasound field-of-view volume generated by the ultrasound transducer array of the ultrasound probe.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the ultrasound probe of FIG. 3A, with the electromagnetic coils arranged along a plane that is parallel to the planar extents of the ultrasound transducer array.

FIG. 3C is a front view of the ultrasound probe of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a top view of the ultrasound probe of FIG. 3A, showing the electromagnetic coils arranged along the plane in a triangular pattern.

FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound imaging system of FIG. 1, having an alternative configuration of the electromagnetic coils wherein the coils are arranged along a plane that is non-parallel to the planar extents of the ultrasound transducer array.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the ultrasound probe of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the ultrasound probe of FIG. 4A, showing the electromagnetic coils arranged along the plane in a triangular pattern.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the ultrasound imaging system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is graphical depiction of a graphical user interface having both a directional indicator for guiding a user and a current ultrasound image displayed on the display screen.

FIGS. 7A and 7B together form a flowchart of a method of use of the ultrasound imaging system of FIGS. 1 and 5, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an ultrasound imaging system 10 in accordance with the present invention. Ultrasound imaging system 10 includes an ultrasound console 12, an ultrasound probe 14 (handheld), and an interventional medical device 16. Typically, interventional medical device 16 will be in the form of a disposable device (i.e., for use with a single patient). Interventional medical device 16 is an intrusive device, such as a guide wire, sheath, angioplasty balloon, catheter, or needle, which is configured to be inserted into the tissue, vessel, or cavity of a patient.

Ultrasound imaging system 10 is configured to direct the user, i.e., clinician, to position ultrasound probe 14 relative to interventional medical device 16. Ultrasound probe 14 is communicatively coupled to ultrasound console 12 by a flexible communication cable 18, e.g., an electrical cable. Interventional medical device 16 is communicatively coupled to ultrasound console 12 via a flexible communication cable 20, e.g., and electrical cable.

Interventional medical device 16 has a distal end portion 16-1 that includes a tracking element 22, which is used in identifying the location of the distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 relative to the patient and ultrasound probe 14.

Referring also to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, ultrasound probe 14 is configured to generate an electromagnetic (EM) locator field having an electromagnetic (EM) locator field volume 24 and is configured to generate ultrasound imaging data in an ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. Stated differently, ultrasound probe 14 is configured to generate both of the electromagnetic (EM) locator field volume 24 and the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26.

Each of the EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 is a three-dimensional (3D) volume. Preferably, the EM locator field volume 24 is greater than or equal to the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26, such that an entirety of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 is located within the EM locator field volume 24. For ease of illustration, each of the EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 is represented as a rectangular (cubic) volume, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the respective field volumes of the EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 may have other shapes, such as for example, trapezoidal, spherical, conical, or irregular volumes.

Referring again to FIG. 1, tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16 is configured to generate tip location data defining a plurality of degrees of freedom (e.g., X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) based on the EM locator field volume 24 generated by ultrasound probe 14. In the present embodiment, tracking element 22 may include multiple sensor coils that interact with the EM locator field volume 24. In the present embodiment, tracking element 22 is mounted at distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16, e.g., in a range of zero to 2 centimeters (cm) from the distal tip of interventional medical device 16, with the extent of distal end portion 16-1 being 3 cm or less from the distal end of interventional medical device 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the exact location of the placement of tracking element 22 on interventional medical device 16 will depend on the portion of interventional medical device 16 that is to be tracked by ultrasound imaging system 10. Tracking element 22 allows the location of interventional medical device 16 to be known relative to ultrasound probe 14, such that ultrasound probe 14 may be moved to a location such that distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 appears in an ultrasound image generated from the ultrasound data associated with the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26.

In some applications, it may be preferred to have the volume of EM locator field volume 24 to be much larger than the volume of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 (e.g., 2 to 5 times), i.e., wherein the ultrasound imaging volume is a volumetric subset of the EM field volume, so that tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16 will be sensed and its location relative to the current position of ultrasound probe 14 determined prior to tracking element 22 reaching the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 of ultrasound probe 14. As such, ultrasound imaging system 10 will generate visual, tactile, and/or aural feedback to guide the user to properly position ultrasound probe 14, such that the distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 is included in the ultrasound image generated from data associated with ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. This will ensure that the user is aware of the location of ultrasound probe 14 relative to the tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16, so as to facilitate a manual positioning of ultrasound probe 14 such that distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 having tracking element 22 is within the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 of ultrasound probe 14.

The visual and/or aural feedback may be presented to the user by ultrasound console 12 or ultrasound probe 14, e.g., in the form of directional arrows and/or voice directional commands. The tactile feedback may be in the form of a vibration that is transferred to ultrasound probe 14 when the distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 enters the different volumes due to the movement, i.e., positioning, of ultrasound probe 14. For example, one pulse of vibration may be generated when tracking element 22 at distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 enters the EM locator field volume 24, and two pulses of vibration may be generated when tracking element 22 at distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 enters the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26.

During a calibration of ultrasound probe 14, a three-axis origin 28 (0, 0, 0 in Cartesian (X, Y, Z) coordinates) is defined in a central portion of the EM locator field volume 24 and a three-axis origin 30 (0, 0, 0 in Cartesian (X, Y, Z) coordinates) is defined in a central portion of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. The three-axis origin 28 of the EM locator field volume 24 may be placed anywhere within the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26, or alternatively, the three-axis origin 30 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 may be placed anywhere within the EM locator field volume 24. However, in the present embodiment, during calibration, it is preferred to position the three-axis origin 30 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 to match, i.e., be coincident with, the three-axis origin 28 of the EM locator field volume 24.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, ultrasound probe 14 includes a probe housing 32 having a handle portion 32-1 and a head portion 32-2. Handle portion 32-1 extends upwardly from the head portion, and is sized and shaped to be grasped by a user. Ultrasound probe 14 further includes both an electromagnetic (EM) locator field generator 34 that is mounted to, e.g., contained within, probe housing 32 for generating EM locator field volume 24 and an ultrasound transducer array 36 that is mounted to, e.g., contained within probe housing 32 for generating the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. More particularly, in all embodiments, ultrasound transducer array 36 is mounted to head portion 32-2 of ultrasound probe 14.

As used herein, the term “mounted to” refers to an attachment to a structure (e.g., probe housing 32) using a fixing medium, such as one or more of adhesive, weld, clamp, mechanical fastener, frame, or incorporation into the material that forms the structure, e.g., into the plastic of probe housing 32, such as by overmolding the component to be attached into the material (e.g., plastic) forming the structure of the housing.

In the present embodiment, EM locator field generator 34 of ultrasound probe 14 includes multiple electromagnetic (EM) coils, which in the present embodiment are three EM coils individually identified as EM coil 34-1, EM coil 34-2, and EM coil 34-3. In the present embodiment, each of the EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 is mounted to head portion 32-2 of ultrasound probe 14, such as by overmolding the EM coils into the material (e.g., plastic) forming the structure of head portion 32-2 of probe housing 32.

Referring also to FIG. 5, EM locator field generator 34 includes a current driver circuit 34-4 which generates current to be supplied to each of the EM coils in ultrasound probe 14. Current driver circuit 34-4 may be incorporated into ultrasound probe 14, or alternatively, may be remote from ultrasound probe 14.

A field strength generated by EM locator field generator 34 of ultrasound probe 14 defines the size of the EM locator field volume 24, i.e., the detection volume of ultrasound probe 14. In particular, the size of EM locator field volume 24 is dependent upon the amount of current supplied to each of the EM coils of ultrasound probe 14. The volume, shape, and EM field strength of EM locator field volume 24 may be varied by selectively varying the current to one or more of the EM coils of ultrasound probe 14. For example, the volume of EM locator field volume 24 may be increased by increasing the current to the EM coils of ultrasound probe 14, or may be decreased by decreasing the current to the EM coils of ultrasound probe 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3D, in the present embodiment, the three EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 are arranged in a triangle (e.g., an equilateral triangle) having a centroid. The centroid of the triangle arrangement of three EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 defines a Z-axis 38 of the EM locator field volume 24. Also, the centroid of the triangular arrangement of the EM coils is centered on a Z-axis 40 of ultrasound transducer array 36 of ultrasound probe 14. Referring to FIG. 3C, an EM coil plane 35 of the triangle of EM coil 34-1, EM coil 34-2, and EM coil 34-3 is parallel to, or coincident with, the X-Y plane 37 (i.e., the planar extents) of ultrasound transducer array 36. EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 and ultrasound transducer array 36 are arranged to facilitate an entirety of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 being located within the EM locator field volume 24.

The Z-axis 40 of ultrasound transducer array 36 is defined at a centroid of ultrasound transducer array 36, and is also the Z-axis 40 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. In a preferred embodiment, Z-axis 40 of ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 and ultrasound transducer array 36 is coaxial with the Z-axis 38 of the EM locator field volume 24, such that each of three-axis origin 28 of the EM locator field volume 24 and three-axis origin 30 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 lies on the Z-axis 40 of ultrasound transducer array 36 of ultrasound probe 14.

EM coil 34-1, EM coil 34-2, and EM coil 34-3 collectively provide three degrees of freedom (three directions of location) within the EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 of ultrasound probe 14. Additional degrees of freedom may be established with the addition of a corresponding number of additional EM coils in ultrasound probe 14.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the Z-axis 38 of the EM locator field volume 24 (at the centroid of the triangle arrangement of the three EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3) be axially aligned with the Z-axis 40 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26, and that the respective origins be aligned such that the three-axis origin 28 of the EM locator field volume 24 matches, i.e., is coincident with, that of the three-axis origin 30 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. Accordingly, the EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 can be mapped one to one with minimal translation, if any, between one volume and the other volume.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, alternatively, EM locator field generator 34 of ultrasound probe 14 may be located in a handle portion 32-1 of ultrasound probe 14, such that the EM coil plane 35 of the triangle formed by EM coil 34-1, EM coil 34-2, and EM coil 34-3, is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the Z-axis 40 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 of ultrasound probe 14, and thus with the EM coil plane 35 of the triangle of EM coil 34-1, EM coil 34-2, and EM coil 34-3 also arranged at an acute angle 41 with respect to the X-Y plane 37 of ultrasound transducer array 36. Acute angle 41 may be in a range of greater than zero degrees, but less than 45 degrees. EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 and ultrasound transducer array 36 are arranged to facilitate an entirety of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 being located within the EM locator field volume 24.

If the three EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 are placed at acute angle 41 within handle portion 32-1 of ultrasound probe 14, the field volume of EM locator field volume 24 will be offset from the ultrasound imaging volume of ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 by that angle. To compensate for this angular offset, a translation is calculated between EM locator field volume 24 and the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 so that the tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16 will be mapped to, and appear properly within, the ultrasound image extracted from and/or generated in the ultrasound imaging volume of ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. Thus, via compensation, the Z-axis of the electromagnetic locator field volume may be axially aligned with the Z-axis 40 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26, and additionally, the respective origins of the EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 may be aligned, i.e., coincident with each other.

In the present embodiment, for producing a 3D dataset, ultrasound transducer array 36 of ultrasound probe 14 may be a 2D matrix of piezoelectric elements that are electronically scanned in a sweeping motion. As such, the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 is comprised of a plurality of sequentially generated ultrasound image slices. Alternatively, ultrasound transducer array 36 of ultrasound probe 14 may be a mechanically movable one-dimensional (1D) linear array of piezoelectric elements that is mechanically scanned to generate a plurality of sequentially generated ultrasound image slices. As a further alternative, if desired, either of the electronically scanned 2D matrix or the mechanically movable one-dimensional (1D) linear transducer array may be configured, e.g., in a non-sweeping mode, to emulate a fixed-position linear array (i.e., fixed with respect to probe housing 32) that generates a single ultrasound image slice (refreshed periodically), in which case the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 is narrowed to the thickness of the single ultrasound image slice.

Referring again to FIG. 1, ultrasound imaging system 10 is configured to direct the user, i.e., clinician, through visual, tactile, and/or aural feedback to change the location of the ultrasound probe 14 so that tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16 is within ultrasound field-of-view volume 26, i.e., such that ultrasound transducer array 36 of ultrasound probe 14 is dynamically positioned by the user to image a desired portion, i.e., the distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16, that corresponds to the location of tracking element 22. The visual and/or aural feedback may be presented to the user by ultrasound console 12 or ultrasound probe 14, e.g., in the form of directional arrows and/or voice directional commands. The tactile feedback may be in the form of vibration pulses that are transferred to probe housing 32 of ultrasound probe 14 when tracking element 22 at distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 enters the different volumes (i.e., EM locator field volume 24 and ultrasound field-of-view volume 26) due to the movement, i.e., positioning, of ultrasound probe 14.

In the present embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, ultrasound console 12 includes a console housing 42, to which a graphical user interface (GUI) 44 and a processor circuit 46 is attached. Graphical user interface 44 may be in the form of a touch-screen 48 having a display screen 50. Graphical user interface 44 is used in displaying information to the user, and accommodates user input via touch-screen 48. For example, touch-screen 48 is configured to display an ultrasound image formed from two-dimensional ultrasound slice data provided by ultrasound probe 14 that includes distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 having tracking element 22 within the 3D imaging volume of ultrasound field-of-view volume 26, and to display prompts intended to guide the user in the correct positioning of the ultrasound probe 14 relative to the location of tracking element 22, i.e., the region of interest in the patient. In addition, display screen 50 may be configured as a standard 2D display, or optionally, may be configured as a 3D display. For example, the 3D dataset captured by ultrasound imaging system 10 may be presented to the user via an autostereoscopic or other display method that presents a 3D image to the user.

Referring also to the block diagram of FIG. 5, processor circuit 46 is an electrical circuit that has data processing capability and command generating capability. In the present embodiment, processor circuit 46 has a microprocessor 46-1 and associated non-transitory electronic memory 46-2. Microprocessor 46-1 and associated non-transitory electronic memory 46-2 are commercially available components, as will be recognized by one skilled in the art. Microprocessor 46-1 may be in the form of a single microprocessor, or two or more parallel microprocessors, as is known in the art. Non-transitory electronic memory 46-2 may include multiple types of digital data memory, such as random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read only memory (ROM), and/or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Non-transitory electronic memory 46-2 may further include mass data storage in one or more of the electronic memory forms described above, or on a computer hard drive or optical disk. Alternatively, processor circuit 46 may be assembled as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC).

Processor circuit 46 processes program instructions received from a program source, such as software or firmware, to which processor circuit 46 has electronic access. More particularly, processor circuit 46 is configured to execute program instructions to process tip location data received from interventional medical device 16 to correlate the current position of the tracking element 22 at the distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 with the three-axis origin 28 of the EM locator field volume 24 and the three-axis origin 30 of the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 of ultrasound probe 14.

Processor circuit 46 of ultrasound console 12 is communicatively coupled to ultrasound probe 14 via an ultrasound probe input/output (I/O) interface circuit 52, an internal bus structure 54, and communication cable 18. As used herein, the term “communicatively coupled” means connected for communication over a communication medium, wherein the communication medium may be a direct wired connection having electrical conductors and/or printed circuit electrical conduction paths, or a wireless connection, and may be an indirect wired or wireless connection having intervening electrical circuits, such as amplifiers or repeaters.

In the present embodiment, ultrasound probe I/O interface circuit 52 is connected to communication cable 18, which in turn is connected to both EM locator field generator 34 of ultrasound probe 14 and ultrasound transducer array 36 of ultrasound probe 14. Also, ultrasound probe I/O interface circuit 52 is connected to processor circuit 46 via internal bus structure 54. Internal bus structure 54 may be formed, for example, as metallic traces on a printed circuit board, or may be a wired cable connection.

Processor circuit 46 is configured to generate and supply control signals to current driver circuit 34-4 of EM locator field generator 34, so as to selectively control the amount of current supplied to each of the EM coils (e.g., EM coils 34-1, 34-2, 34-3) incorporated into ultrasound probe 14. The volume and/or shape of EM locator field volume 24 may be varied by selectively varying the current to one or more of the EM coils of ultrasound probe 14. Alternatively, it is contemplated that current driver circuit 34-4 may be incorporated into ultrasound console 12, if desired.

Ultrasound transducer array 36 supplies two-dimensional ultrasound slice data to processor circuit 46 via communication cable 18. Automatically, or alternatively based on a user input at graphical user interface 44, processor circuit 46 executes program instructions to store the two-dimensional ultrasound slice data in mass storage provided in non-transitory electronic memory 46-2.

Processor circuit 46 includes circuitry, or alternatively executes program instructions, to convert the two-dimensional ultrasound data supplied by ultrasound transducer array 36 to a form for viewing as one or more two-dimensional ultrasound image slices, or a 3D imaging volume, on display screen 50 of graphical user interface 44. Once that ultrasound probe 14 is guided to the proper location relative to interventional medical device 16, the viewed image will include interventional medical device 16 having tracking element 22 located in a portion of the body of a patient, e.g., a blood vessel, body cavity.

Processor circuit 46 is communicatively coupled to a device input/output (I/O) interface circuit 56 via an internal bus structure 58 and communication cable 20. Internal bus structure 58 may be formed, for example, as metallic traces on a printed circuit board, or may be a wired cable connection. In the present embodiment, device I/O interface circuit 56 is configured to connect to flexible communication cable 20, which in turn is connected to tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16. Tracking element 22 supplies device location data to processor circuit 46 via communication cable 20 and internal bus structure 58 to facilitate the determination of the location of interventional medical device 16 within the detection volume of EM locator field volume 24 of ultrasound probe 14, wherein in the present embodiment, the EM locator field volume 24 of ultrasound probe 14 is larger than the three-dimensional ultrasound field-of-view volume 26 of ultrasound probe 14.

Based on the device location data received from interventional medical device 16 relative to the reference location of the EM locator field volume 24 generated by ultrasound probe 14, processor circuit 46 executes program instructions to generate visual and/or aural feedback to guide the user to properly position ultrasound probe 14, such that the distal end portion 16-1 of interventional medical device 16 is included in the ultrasound image generated from data associated with ultrasound field-of-view volume 26.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a directional indicator 60 may be generated at the graphical user interface 44, along with a current ultrasound image 62, such as by selectively illuminating one or two of a plurality of directional indicator arrows 64 (e.g., Forward 64-1, Back 64-2, Left 64-3, Right 64-4) on display screen 50, which point in the direction in which the user needs to move ultrasound probe 14. Alternatively, directional indicator 60, e.g., illuminated directional arrows 64, may be located directly on probe housing 32 of ultrasound probe 14.

FIGS. 7A and 7B together form a flowchart of a method of use of the ultrasound imaging system 10, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

At step S100, the user holds ultrasound probe 14 near an access site in the patient. The access site may be an incision, or may be a lumen opening of a catheter previously inserted into the patient.

At step S102, interventional medical device 16 is inserted into the patient at the access site.

At step S104, it is determined whether it is desired to follow interventional medical device 16 to a treatment site within the patient.

If the determination at step S104 is NO, then at step S106, ultrasound probe 14 is continually hovered above the patient as the user advances interventional medical device 16 to the treatment site. At step S108, when ultrasound imaging is required, then ultrasound probe 14 is pressed against the patient.

If the determination at step S104 is YES, then at step S110, ultrasound probe 14 is pressed against the patient.

At the conclusion of either of steps S108 and S110, then at step S112, it is determined whether tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16 is in the ultrasound field-of-view volume 26. All (full 3D image), or a portion (2D slice or 3D portion), of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is displayed in the ultrasound image presented at display screen 50.

If the determination at step S112 is NO, then at step S114, the user references the directional indicator 60 (see FIG. 6) to ascertain which direction to move ultrasound probe 14 to locate and view tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16. Then, at step S116, the user moves ultrasound probe 14 in the direction indicated by directional indicator 60.

At the conclusion of step S116, or if the determination at step S112 is YES, then at step S118 the user locates on the displayed ultrasound image an indicia, e.g., a dot, that indicates the location to tracking element 22 of interventional medical device 16.

At step S120, the user places, i.e., positions, the interventional medical device 16 at the correct location at the treatment site with the aid of the ultrasound image generated by ultrasound probe 14, by viewing the ultrasound image on display screen 50 of ultrasound console 12.

The following items also relate to the invention:

In one form, the invention relates to an ultrasound probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system comprising a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing, the ultrasound transducer array configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume; and an electromagnetic locator field generator mounted to the probe housing, the electromagnetic locator field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume. Optionally, the electromagnetic locator field generator has a plurality of electromagnetic coils. The plurality of electromagnetic coils may be incorporated into a material that forms the probe housing. In one embodiment, the ultrasound probe housing may include a handle portion and a head portion, wherein each of the ultrasound transducer array and the electromagnetic locator field generator is located in the head portion. In another embodiment, the ultrasound probe housing may include a handle portion and a head portion, wherein the ultrasound transducer array is located in the head portion and the electromagnetic locator field generator is located in the handle portion. In each embodiment, a first Z-axis of the electromagnetic locator field volume may be axially aligned with a second Z-axis of the ultrasound field-of-view volume. Additionally or alternatively, a first three-axis origin may be defined in a central portion of the electromagnetic locator field volume and a second three-axis origin may be defined in the ultrasound field-of-view volume, wherein the second three-axis origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is positioned to be coincident with the first three-axis origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume.

In another form, the invention relates to an ultrasound probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system comprising a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing, the ultrasound transducer array configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume; and a plurality of electromagnetic coils mounted to the probe housing, the plurality of electromagnetic coils configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume, wherein the ultrasound transducer array and the plurality of electromagnetic coils are arranged such that an entirety of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is located within the electromagnetic locator field volume. The plurality of electromagnetic coils may be three electromagnetic coils. In one embodiment, the three electromagnetic coils may be arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array. A first Z-axis of the electromagnetic locator field volume may be axially aligned with a second Z-axis of the ultrasound field-of-view volume. In addition or alternatively, a first three-axis origin may be defined in a central portion of the electromagnetic locator field volume and a second three-axis origin may be defined in a central portion of the ultrasound field-of-view volume, wherein the second three-axis origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is positioned to be coincident with the first three-axis origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume. In another embodiment, the plurality of electromagnetic coils may be arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is non-parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array. In each of the embodiments, each of the plurality of electromagnetic coils may be incorporated into a material that forms the probe housing.

In another form, the invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system comprising an ultrasound console having a graphical user interface; an interventional medical device communicatively coupled to the ultrasound console, the interventional medical device having a tracking element; and an ultrasound probe communicatively coupled to the ultrasound console. The ultrasound probe includes: a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing, the ultrasound transducer array configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume; and an electromagnetic locator field generator that includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils that are mounted to the probe housing of the ultrasound probe, the plurality of electromagnetic coils configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume for identifying a location of the tracking element of the interventional medical device within the electromagnetic locator field volume. The plurality of electromagnetic coils may be three electromagnetic coils. In one embodiment, the three electromagnetic coils may be arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array. In another embodiment, the three electromagnetic coils may be arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is non-parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array. In each embodiment, the ultrasound probe housing may include a handle portion and a head portion, wherein each of the ultrasound transducer array and the plurality of electromagnetic coils is located in the head portion. Alternatively, the ultrasound probe housing may include a handle portion and a head portion, wherein the ultrasound transducer array is located in the head portion and the plurality of electromagnetic coils is located in the handle portion. In each embodiment, the electromagnetic locator field generator may include a current driver circuit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electromagnetic coils. A first Z-axis of the electromagnetic locator field volume may be axially aligned with a second Z-axis of the ultrasound field-of-view volume. A first three-axis origin may be defined in a central portion of the electromagnetic locator field volume and a second three-axis origin may be defined in the ultrasound field-of-view volume, wherein the second three-axis origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is coincident with the first three-axis origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume. Optionally, the tracking element is configured to interact with the electromagnetic locator field volume to facilitate determining a location of the interventional medical device in the electromagnetic locator field volume and the ultrasound field-of-view volume. The tracking element may be located at a distal end portion of the interventional medical device, and the tracking element may be configured to interact with the electromagnetic locator field volume to generate tip location data for identifying a location of the interventional medical device within the electromagnetic locator field volume. The ultrasound console may include a processor circuit configured to execute program instructions to process the tip location data received from the tracking element of the interventional medical device to correlate a current position of the tracking element with a first origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume of the ultrasound probe and a second origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume of the ultrasound probe.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

1. An ultrasound probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system, comprising: a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing, the ultrasound transducer array configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume; and an electromagnetic locator field generator mounted to the probe housing, the electromagnetic locator field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume, wherein the electromagnetic locator field generator has a plurality of electromagnetic coils incorporated into a material that forms the probe housing.
 2. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic coils is three.
 3. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic coils is three, and the three electromagnetic coils are arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array.
 4. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound probe housing includes a handle portion and a head portion, and wherein each of the ultrasound transducer array and the electromagnetic locator field generator is located in the head portion.
 5. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound probe housing includes a handle portion and a head portion, and wherein the ultrasound transducer array is located in the head portion and the electromagnetic locator field generator is located in the handle portion.
 6. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein a first Z-axis of the electromagnetic locator field volume is axially aligned with a second Z-axis of the ultrasound field-of-view volume.
 7. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein a first three-axis origin is defined in a central portion of the electromagnetic locator field volume and a second three-axis origin is defined in the ultrasound field-of-view volume, wherein the second three-axis origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is positioned to be coincident with the first three-axis origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume.
 8. An ultrasound probe for use in an ultrasound imaging system, comprising: a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing, the ultrasound transducer array configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume; and a plurality of electromagnetic coils mounted to the probe housing, the plurality of electromagnetic coils configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume, wherein the ultrasound transducer array and the plurality of electromagnetic coils are arranged such that an entirety of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is located within the electromagnetic locator field volume.
 9. The ultrasound probe of claim 8, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic coils is three, and the three electromagnetic coils are arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array.
 10. The ultrasound probe of claim 8, wherein a first Z-axis of the electromagnetic locator field volume is axially aligned with a second Z-axis of the ultrasound field-of-view volume.
 11. The ultrasound probe of claim 8, wherein a first three-axis origin is defined in a central portion of the electromagnetic locator field volume and a second three-axis origin is defined in a central portion of the ultrasound field-of-view volume, wherein the second three-axis origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is positioned to be coincident with the first three-axis origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume.
 12. The ultrasound probe of claim 8, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic coils is arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is non-parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array.
 13. The ultrasound probe of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of electromagnetic coils is incorporated into a material that forms the probe housing.
 14. An ultrasound imaging system, comprising: an ultrasound console having a graphical user interface; an interventional medical device communicatively coupled to the ultrasound console, the interventional medical device having a tracking element; and an ultrasound probe communicatively coupled to the ultrasound console, the ultrasound probe including: a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer array mounted to the probe housing, the ultrasound transducer array configured to generate an ultrasound field-of-view volume; and an electromagnetic locator field generator that includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils that are mounted to the probe housing of the ultrasound probe, the plurality of electromagnetic coils configured to generate an electromagnetic locator field volume for identifying a location of the tracking element of the interventional medical device within the electromagnetic locator field volume.
 15. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic coils is three electromagnetic coils.
 16. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 15, wherein the three electromagnetic coils are arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array.
 17. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound probe housing includes a handle portion and a head portion, and wherein each of the ultrasound transducer array and the plurality of electromagnetic coils is located in the head portion.
 18. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic coils is three electromagnetic coils, and wherein the three electromagnetic coils are arranged in a triangle arrangement that defines a plane that is non-parallel to a plane of the ultrasound transducer array.
 19. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 18, wherein the ultrasound probe housing includes a handle portion and a head portion, and wherein the ultrasound transducer array is located in the head portion and the plurality of electromagnetic coils is located in the handle portion.
 20. The ultrasound imaging system according to claim 14, wherein the electromagnetic locator field generator includes a current driver circuit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electromagnetic coils, and wherein a first three-axis origin is defined in a central portion of the electromagnetic locator field volume and a second three-axis origin is defined in the ultrasound field-of-view volume, wherein the second three-axis origin of the ultrasound field-of-view volume is coincident with the first three-axis origin of the electromagnetic locator field volume. 21-24. (canceled) 